Jim Johnson's inaugural A's talent show was a big hit Sunday morning. The media were not invited, but all the post-show reviews were raves, and the winner was a surprise: new infielder Jake Elmore, who displayed tremendous singing ability with a medley of country, rap and pop (complete with different hats, he joked, to go with the nine positions he played last year in Houston).

"Very impressive, especially for a guy who has been here 10 days," one member of the A's staff said. "Pretty brave for a guy who just got here to stand up and do that in front of everyone."

The runner-up was the projected winner, catcher Stephen Vogt, who took drama in high school and loves Broadway shows. His imitation of Chris Farleykilled, by all accounts, and even Elmore said, "He's so talented - once his baseball career is over, he could go straight to Hollywood."

Third place went to the A's star prospect, shortstop Addison Russell, who gave the coaches and front office personnel heart palpitations when he did a standing back flip in the middle of a dance routine.

"He pulled it off easily," manager Bob Melvinsaid. "But in midair, you're like, 'I hope he comes down in the right position.' "

"Unexpected and phenomenal," right-hander Dan Strailysaid of Russell's performance. Straily said he also enjoyed seeing outfielder Michael Taylor playing "the world's smallest keyboard."

Left-hander Andrew Wernerfinished in the pack, but he drew high praise for making up a song about Eric Sogard, inspired by the second baseman's second-place finish in the "Face of MLB" competition, titled "Hashtag Eric Sogard." The chorus:

Werner said he was far more nervous singing in front of a room packed with players, coaches, front office staff and clubhouse personnel than he ever has been on a baseball field.

What did Sogard think? "I loved it," he said. "I want a recording of it."

The story of camp, outfielder Billy Burns, juggled bats and baseballs, and A.J. Griffinplayed the guitar (of course) and sang in Spanish along with several of the Latin players. He finished last, he said. And Griffin is a very good musician, which shows the talent level.

"This was an extraordinary group," Melvin said.

The talent show, an idea Johnson brought along from Baltimore, came at a good time during camp - right when everyone gets the mid-spring blahs. Plus, the first cuts came after the game. So all the young players were still around for the show, which Melvin called a good bonding experience.

Injury updates: Daric Barton's hamstring strain is a mild one, Grade 1, but the team will be cautious with the injury because hamstrings problems can recur and with a vengeance. Barton has never had a strain in the lower hamstring area so he's not sure what to expect, but he said, "I know I'll want to be back out there a lot sooner than they'll probably let me."

Melvin estimated that Barton would be out at least several days, but given how problematic hamstrings can be, a week certainly isn't out of the question.

Outfielder Craig Gentry(back) did some running on the field Saturday, an indication he is improving, but there is no timetable for him to get into a game.

Derek Norris(back) did some on-field work and he could be back in the lineup in a few days.

A's 2, White Sox 2

Notable: Dan Straily started for Oakland and allowed two hits and three walks with three strikeouts in 3 1/3 innings. Straily said he needs to cut down the walks. ... Tommy Miloneworked the final four innings and allowed one hit and two runs, but both were unearned. He struck out two. He'll start a split-squad game Saturday. ... Eric Sogard went up the middle for a grounder by Andy Wilkins, then made a glove flip to Jed Lowrieto start a double play in the third. ... Sogard also had two hits, including an RBI single in the third inning off Erik Johnson. ... Josh Donaldsonhit his first homer of the spring, a solo shot to center in the fifth inning.